File Clenennau letters and papers 539. - The King, at Oxford, to the Sheriff of Merionethshire,

The state of Ireland. Many of the soldiers there being English protestants are coming over to and are daily expected to land in some of the counties of North Wales. Rebellious subjects were the promoters of the rebellion in Ireland, and now they untruly charge the King, on the occasion of the coming over of the soldiers, with bringing over the Irish rebels. Since the rebels have lately forced their passage over Holt Bridge and obstructed all the ways to Chester, orders have been given to the soldiers from Ireland to repair to those parts (of North Wales) for succour. The county of Merioneth having been freed of many burdens which other counties have sustained in the paying and free billeting of soldiers, the King's will and command is that there be provided, at the charge of the county, cloaks, shoes, stockings, and apparel sufficient for 500 men, and likewise victuals for 4,000 men for fifteen days, or money sufficient for the same use to be brought forthwith to Conwy where a magazine has been provided.